MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | Online Nursing Master Degree

Focus on family health with our online nursing master’s degree

Expand your nursing career by learning best primary-care practices for adults and children with the family nurse practitioner concentration of our master of science in nursing (MSN) program at Davenport University. This MSN family nurse practitioner program emphasizes continuing and comprehensive wellness and illness care for individuals, as well as illness management, health promotion and health education for communities.

Continue to work while you study by earning your online nursing master’s degree through our Global Campus. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our master of science in nursing program will equip you with the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills demanded in today's advanced nursing roles. Plus, by earning your nursing MSN, you’re setting yourself on a path to earn a higher nursing salary.

Our nursing master’s programs are led by nursing faculty and staff that are highly qualified clinicians and nurse educators. They maintain close partnerships with health care networks to ensure you receive the best clinical placements for your career goals. With these high-quality experiences and instructors, you’ll be positioned to join graduates of Davenport’s nursing master’s programs who have passed their nursing certification exams at rates above the national average.

What is a master of science in nursing?

A master of science in nursing is a graduate-level academic degree that gives working nurses and students a pathway to advanced nursing roles and a higher nursing salary.

As a Davenport MSN family nurse practitioner graduate, you’ll be prepared to serve a diverse patient base across the socioeconomic spectrum and in settings from community outreach clinics to private practices. You’ll be a primary point of contact for the health care needs of individuals and families and have the ability to track, treat and educate patients.

Explore classes for this nursing master’s program

The family nurse practitioner concentration of Davenport’s online nursing master’s program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to serve a broad array of patients. Your classes will include acute and episodic problems across the lifespan, advanced practice nursing care of women, childbearing, family and pediatrics, management of patients and families with chronic conditions, and advanced gerontology. Each nursing MSN course at Davenport aligns with Quality Matters (QM) and undergoes Instructional Design evaluation for quality assurance. This means you can rest assured that our nursing master’s program meets the highest standards.

Round out your master of science in nursing with primary-care clinical experiences and a family nurse practitioner capstone project.

See Full Course List

Foundations of Advanced Nursing		9 Credits
NURS600	Theoretical Fndn Adv Nurs Prac	3
NURS601	MSN Orientation Seminar This seminar is required in the first semester of acceptance to the College of Health Professions MSN program. The program expectations and the MSN Student Handbook will be reviewed. Students in this course must register and complete the required Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screen (DS). Note: This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. If the CBC/DS portion of the class is not completed in the specified time frame, a failing grade will be given for the course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	0
NURS640	Nurs Research & Evid-Base Prac Critical discussion and analysis of the research process including the responsible conduct of research, qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs, analysis of data, and reporting of results. Strategies to improve dissemination and application of nursing research findings and integration of evidence-based practice will be discussed.Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	3
NURS670	Transform NursingPractice Role This course prepares nurses at the Master’s degree level to investigate and analyze the organization, delivery, and financing of health care through the lens of a leadership role. Leadership theories and concepts are explored as they may be applied to address complex and dynamic health care challenges such as health care access, cost, and quality. Strategic planning, systems thinking, political advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration are discussed and explored as within the context of the nursing leadership role and the advanced nursing practice in affecting quality health outcomes and culturally patient-centered care. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	3

Advanced Nursing Core		9 Credits
NURS735	Advanced Pathophysiology Alterations of various physiological systems, etiology and clinical manifestations of commonly occurring health problems across the life span are discussed. In-depth case analysis of risk factors, pathophysiological changes, and associated signs and symptoms, relevant theories, research, and evidence-based findings are discussed as a basis for advanced practice nursing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	3
NURS738	Advanced Pharmacology The course focuses on the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents to manage health problems. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug categories, as well as evidence-based findings, are discussed as a basis for prescribing and monitoring pharmaceutical and alternative therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of commonly occurring acute and chronic illnesses. Ethical, legal, and risk-management issues are discussed. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	3
NURS740	Advanced Health Assessment This course focuses on the development of advanced practice nursing skills in health assessment for clients across the life span. Relevant concepts, theories, research, and evidence-based findings on prevention and early detection of risk factors and disease are emphasized. Critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning and communication skills are developed through case scenarios, simulated experiences, and clinical experiences as appropriate. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS740 and NURS740V Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	2
NURS740V	Advanced Health Assessment Lab This course focuses on the development of advanced practice nursing skills in health assessment for clients across the life span. Relevant concepts, theories, research, and evidence-based findings on prevention and early detection of risk factors and disease are emphasized. Critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning and communication skills are developed through case scenarios, simulated experiences, and clinical experiences as appropriate. Note: The lab portion designated with a ‘V’ will be taught in a virtual format. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS740 and NURS740V Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSN program	1

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration		26 Credits
NURS768	FNP I-Hlth Prom Adv Prac Nurs In this course, students focus on the advanced practice role in promoting health and preventing diseases across the lifespan. Emphasis is on developing advanced nursing skills in health promotion, disease prevention, anticipatory guidance, risk reduction strategies, diagnosis and management of common primary health care concerns. Epidemiological principles and research is used to guide, promote, and preserve wellness lifestyles. Students will utilize clinical decision making skills to care for families across the lifespan. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS768 and NURS768C Prerequisite(s): NURS600, NURS601, NURS670 and NURS735	2
NURS768C	FNP I-Hlt Prom Adv Prac Nur Cl This course focuses on the advanced practice nurse’s role in promoting health and preventing diseases across the lifespan. Emphasis is on developing advanced nursing skills in health promotion, disease prevention, anticipatory guidance, risk reduction strategies, diagnosis and management of common primary health care concerns. Students will examine clinical decision making skills for care families across the lifespan. The advanced practice nurse uses epidemiological principles and research to guide, promote, and preserve wellness lifestyles. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS768C requires 45 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): NURS768 and NURS768C Prerequisite(s): NURS600, NURS601, NURS670 and NURS735	1
NURS772	FNP Onsite Campus Intensive In this course, the students participate in an on campus experience. Practice and demonstration of skills necessary for the clinical course sequence. Individualized faculty-guided instruction in the management of patient focused problems including simulated patient experiences. Experiences include development of the basic suturing and small procedure skills that are often completed in the primary care setting. Students are expected to enter with proficient advanced practice level physical assessment and documentation. A comprehensive knowledge base in pharmacology and pathophysiology is required. If needed, remediation at this level will be done independently (with faculty approval and guidance) prior to enrollment in the clinical course sequence. Grade Note(s): A grade of B- or better is required for successful completion of all NURS courses Fees: Additional course fees apply. Co-requisite(s): NURS 768 and NURS 768C	1
NURS776	FNP II-Acute & Episodic Prob This course builds on FNP I and continues to emphasize the student’s competence in providing direct care as an Advanced Practice Nurse. The course focuses on the theoretical and clinical basis for the advanced nursing management of health care problems common to the family, focusing on children greater than 12 years old through the geriatric period. Emphasis is placed on clinical problems, symptoms, diagnosis and management of common acute and episodic conditions of families in the context of the primary care setting in the community. Students synthesize knowledge from a variety of sources to make clinical judgments and build the practice base needed for implementing Advanced Practice Competencies. Students are placed in clinical experiences within primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. The student will become increasingly independent in their clinical decision-making skills and ability to manage individual health concerns in the practice s	2
NURS776C	FNP II-Acute/Episodic Prob Cl This course focuses on the theoretical and clinical basis for the advanced nursing management of health care problems common to the family, focusing on children greater than 12 years old through the geriatric period. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and management of common acute and episodic conditions of families in the context of the primary care setting in the community. Clinical experiences are in a variety of primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. Clinical practice includes advanced assessment and implementation of therapeutic management regimens related to episodic and common problems, health promotion and risk prevention. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS776C requires 225 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Compone	5
NURS781	Adv Prac Nurs Care Wmn Fam Ped This course prepares the advanced practice nurse to provide care to the childbearing family, women in their childbearing years through menopause, and the pediatric patient. This course provides an overview of theory and research on the assessment and management of women throughout the lifespan, children (infant through adolescence/young adulthood) and families. Common developmental, behavioral, acute and chronic illness, and health promotion and maintenance are discussed. Psychosocial and cultural aspects of the childbearing family and pediatrics, etiology of condition of disease, differential diagnosis and clinical judgment within the context of the family across the lifespan will be applied to each topic. Students develop role competencies under the supervision of nurse practitioner preceptors and faculty in urban health care settings. Students are placed in clinical experiences within primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. The student wi	2
NURS781C	Adv Prac Nur Care Wn Fam Ped C Preparation of the advanced practice nurse to provide care to the childbearing family, women in their childbearing years through menopause and the pediatric patient. This course provides an overview of theory and research on the assessment and management of women throughout the lifespan, children (infant through adolescence/young adulthood) and families. Common developmental, behavioral, acute and chronic illness, and health promotion and maintenance are discussed. Psychosocial and cultural aspects of the childbearing family and pediatrics, etiology of condition of disease, differential diagnosis and clinical judgment within the context of the family across the lifespan will be applied to each topic. Includes specific pediatric primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS781C requires 225 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can b	5
NURS786	FNP Mgt Patient/Family Chronic This course is to prepare the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) student to begin management practice of patients with common chronic illnesses and developmental problems in a variety of health care settings. The course focuses on the theoretical and clinical basis for the advanced nursing management of health care problems common to the family, focusing on children greater than 12 years old through the geriatric period, and builds upon the knowledge obtained in FNP I-III. Emphasis is placed on clinical problems, symptoms, diagnosis and management of common chronic conditions of individuals and the effects of their families in the context of the primary care setting in the community. Students synthesize knowledge from a variety of sources to make clinical judgments and build the practice base needed for implementing Advanced Practice Competencies. Students are placed in clinical experiences within primary care and community settings under the supervision of faculty or preceptors. The stud	2
NURS786C	FNP Mgt Patient/Family Chr Cl This course is to prepare the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) student to begin management practice of patients with common chronic illnesses and developmental problems in a variety of health care settings. This course will further develop primary care knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment. Content emphasis includes primary healthcare needs of individuals and families including screening, prevention, and management of chronic conditions. Course will develop student’s sound clinical decision making and diagnostic reasoning skills. The student is expected to utilize theory, research, and best practices to manage the care of individuals, families, and populations in order to provide high quality, cost-effective care. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. NURS786C requires 225 hours at a clinical site. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-muc	5
NURS788	Advanced Gerontology This course will explore major aging concepts and issues within the United States including controversies in aging health care, socioeconomic trends and life course. A variety of global aging issues, trends, and future predictions will be analyzed. Content will include aging and health from an individual, family, societal, and systems perspective. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): NURS772	1

Capstone		1 Credits
NURS794	Family Nurse Practitioner Caps This course culminates in a three-day virtual experience that will focus on the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) practice areas of licensing, credentialing and legal issues. An extensive board examination review will be completed using focused concentration review materials, simulations, research projects, and lab experiences. Students will complete a portfolio based on both the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NOPF) core competencies and the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. Students will present their portfolio and research project to nursing leadership during the three-day intensive review. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): NURS781 and NURS781C	1

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

45%

Enter a field with an employment rate projected to grow 45%

$117,670

Earn a $117,670 average nurse practitioner salary with your nursing MSN

20%

Pay 20% lower nursing MSN tuition as a member of MHA

100%

Gain flexibility with our 100% online nursing master’s degree

Why pursue an online nursing master’s degree at Davenport?

Davenport’s online MSN family nurse practitioner program includes direct clinical practice in a variety of primary-care practice settings. You’ll complete a hands-on intensive using high-fidelity simulation technology, online virtual health assessment tools and precision simulators under the supervision of nurse practitioner preceptors. With a 6:1 student/faculty ratio for clinical placements, you’ll receive more one-on-one attention from Davenport’s highly credentialed and experienced nursing instructors.

Davenport’s online nursing master’s degree will give you ample opportunities to network and get to know your nursing MSN peers and faculty through the Davenport Global Campus, which is specially designed to foster valuable connections.

To help relieve some of the financial barriers to your MSN family nurse practitioner degree, Davenport will waive your nursing MSN application fee and extend a 20% tuition discount if you’re a member of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA).

Experience the Davenport difference:

Convenience for your online nursing master’s

Choose an MSN family nurse practitioner program that’s designed to be completed 100% online for working nurses like you.

Exceptional test preparation

Graduates of Davenport’s nursing MSN pass their certification exams at rates higher than the national average.

One-on-one attention

Gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in small classes that offer individualized attention from highly credentialed faculty.

Key clinical placements

Earn a nursing MSN that supports your career goals with the right clinical placements, thanks to our dedicated clinical care staff.

Get started on your MSN family nurse practitioner degree

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your master of science in nursing at Davenport.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start on the road to a nursing MSN, leading to a higher nursing salary. Request more information or begin your application now.

Programs related to the online nursing master’s degree

Family Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate

Master of Science in Nursing — Generalist Concentration

Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing — Nurse Educator Concentration

Nurse Educator Postgraduate Certificate

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.*

Additional resources

Nursing MSN success story: Quiana Scott, NP

After having her daughter in 1999, Quiana Scott decided she wanted a career, not a dead-end job. She earned her BSN in 2011 and her nursing MSN in 2016 and has worked as a family nurse practitioner for Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids ever since.

Nurse in a white coat standing in a hospital classroom

Master of Science in Nursing granted accreditation through 2027

Davenport University’s Master of Science in Nursing program was granted a 10-year term of accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

CCNE Accreditation

The master's degree program in nursing at Davenport University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Admission requirements

Current, valid, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in a U.S. jurisdiction or province of Canada
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
One professional recommendation
Official transcripts from previous nursing program(s)
Resume/CV
Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 out of a 4.0
Professional essay

Out-of-state applicants applying for academic programs leading to professional licensure (ie; FNP), it is highly recommended that students contact the appropriate licensing agency in their state of residence if they are considering an academic program that leads to a professional license. Davenport University offers a state-by-state guide with web links to the appropriate licensing agencies. It is the responsibility of students to contact the appropriate licensing agency and to understand the requirements in their state of residence as applied to their specific situation.

Nursing MSN program philosophy

The multifaceted roles of the practical and professional nurse are taught at Davenport University and include care provision, communication, management, and scope of practice. Theoretical foundations shape the curricula and guide nursing education. The Davenport University Nursing Program is a dynamic system that provides for the educational growth and development of the nursing student. An adaptation of Fawcett’s metaparadigm is utilized and includes person, environment, health, and nursing.

Person - The concept of a person refers to the individual or individuals as part of culture, family, community or aggregate groups who interact with the nurse in a therapeutic manner.
Environment -The environment is made up of the physical surroundings and the settings in which the person interacts with society as a whole. This integrates the totality of social, cultural, and religious foundations and influences. Individuals are affected by the environment and, in turn, have the ability to affect the environment.
Health - The health continuum from birth to death includes physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual elements. Wellness describes the function of a person at his or her maximum potential.
Nursing - Nursing is a caring profession that is guided by the ANA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Nursing is not limited to physical care but incorporates the promotion, protection, and optimization of health. Nursing practice is guided by research which contributes to the delivery of evidence-based practice.

Program outcomes

Synthesize concepts and theories from nursing and related disciplines and sciences to deliver advanced nursing care.
Integrate evidence-based knowledge, research, and clinical judgment to design, coordinate, and evaluate the delivery of care.
Integrate current and emerging health and information technologies effectively into one’s practice to enhance health outcomes.
Collaborate effectively within an interprofessional context to improve the delivery of care across the health care continuum.
Apply organizational and systems leadership strategies to promote high quality and safe patient care environments.
Advocate for policies at the local, state, and national levels to improve health and advance the profession of nursing.
Demonstrate beginning competency in an advanced nursing role.

Faculty and staff

Associate Dean: Amy Stahley, PhD, MSN, RN

Department Chair for Nursing: Tracy Alberta, MSN, RN

Nursing Administrative Assistant: TBD

MSN/FNP online faculty

Clinical Coordinator: Marlo Schepers, MSN

Online Graduate Faculty: Jessica Abernathy, DNP, WHNP-BC, CNM, FNP-BC, Annette Mannion, MSN, CRNP, IBLC

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Sources:

U.S. Dept. of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Davenport University, 2023/2024 Catalog

Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner